Southern Living Idea House with Bunny Williams
Now that our side yard project is underway (I admit I check progress dozens of times a day), I’m beginning to connect the spaces in my plans. I want a home that flows easily from room to room and from inside to outside when possible. Even if your layout isn’t ideal, it helps to clarify design decisions so each space works better and feels more intentional.
If we move forward with relocating the kitchen into the current dining room (that’s the leading idea right now, though I’m open to change) and shift the dining area into the current kitchen with a banquette along one wall, we’ll retain the single door to the porch that opens to the side yard. That existing arrangement wasn’t being used to its full potential and lacked charm, but modest changes can make a big difference. Working with a budget often sparks creative solutions that maximize what you already have, which I love.
The door will remain its current size — I’m picturing the same Dutch door I’ve mentioned before — rather than replacing it with oversized double doors. It’s a modest opening but one that can be made very charming. With the side yard getting a makeover, that door will lead to a cozy outdoor spot for the grill and seating, which is exciting.
Having a defined starting point for this first project makes the rest of the design feel easier to plan. That entry inspires me to connect the outdoor space, the dream Dutch door, and the interior rooms so the transition feels natural.
Imagine entering through that Dutch door — say it with me, DUTCH DOOR — into a space that will function as a hybrid between a dining area and a mudroom-style entrance. Because that door may become a more frequently used entry than our front door, the room needs to work hard and be welcoming.
In a modest one-level home with a basement (our main floor includes kitchen, dining room, living room, three bedrooms and a bath, roughly 1,500 square feet not including the basement), compromises are part of the process. I enjoy the puzzle of making the most of the space we have.
Along the far wall next to the future Dutch door sits a bank of cabinets and the refrigerator. It offers great storage but could be improved and refreshed. I envision this wall serving both kitchen and dining storage — perhaps by refurbishing the existing cabinetry to create a charming built-in that functions for cookware, serving pieces and everyday items.
To the right of the fridge is the hall that leads to the entry and the basement stairs. Opening up the stair wall could make the hallway feel airier, and with a little redesign the existing cabinet in the hall could read more like a butler’s pantry — a handy spot for overflow platters and dishes. A small reimagining would turn it into a useful, attractive feature instead of wasted space.
Continuing down that hall loops around to the new kitchen, creating a convenient circular flow through the main living areas. It’s a plan that supports everyday living and entertaining without major structural changes.
I hope these ideas for built-ins, banquette dining, and a butler-pantry-style cabinet spark inspiration. It’s fun to share the process and explore how small updates and thoughtful layout changes can bring charm and function to an older home.
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